Remembering Peggy Lee

Reading Don Heckman’s fine appreciation of Peggy Lee (“Peggy Lee Did Do Right by Her Material,” Jan. 25) brought back many memories of the legendary performer. I have been a devoted fan for more than 40 years, since my early teens, when I bought my first Peggy Lee record, “Lover,” and wore it out.

At last count, there are more than 50 CDs of her recordings. For the uninitiated, start with “The Man I Love” (with Frank Sinatra conducting the orchestra), “Pretty Eyes,” “Black Coffee” and “Dream Street,” then go on to her hits and more recent recordings. Fortunately, her voice and magic will live forever.

LEE MELVILLE

Valley Village

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Don Heckman need not apologize to jazz buffs for Peggy Lee. Although I saw Little Willie John debut “Fever” one hot summer ‘50s night in Paso Robles, my mind recalls Lee’s later version. To those cranky jazz purists: Tell ‘em to spin Lee’s “Why Don’t You Do Right” compilation album from the ‘40s.

PATRICK O’DANIELS

Pismo Beach